What is a primary goal of ICS during an incident?

The primary goal of the Incident Command System (ICS) during an incident is to establish a clear command structure. This is essential because effective incident management relies on a defined hierarchy and leadership to ensure that decisions are made quickly and efficiently, responsibilities are delineated, and communication flows properly among all participants.

A well-established command structure enables responders from various agencies and disciplines to work cohesively, facilitating coordination of resources, efforts, and strategies. It mitigates confusion and enables a unified approach to the incident, ensuring that everyone understands their roles and responsibilities.

In contrast, maximizing resource usage, while important, is secondary to having a structured command that dictates how resources should be managed. Assigning personnel immediately without a clear structure can lead to chaos and inefficient responses. Lastly, minimizing communication between agencies is counterproductive, as effective collaboration and shared information are critical components of a successful response to an incident.